You
have picked me out.
Through a distant shot of a building burning
you have noticed
now
that a white cotton shirt is twirling,
turning.
In fact I am
waving, waving.
Small in the clouds,
but waving, waving.
Does anyone see
a soul worth saving?
So when will you come?
Do you think you are watching, watching
a man shaking
crumbs
or pegging out washing?
I am trying and trying.
The heat behind me is bullying,
driving,
but the white of surrender is not yet flying.
I am not at the point of leaving,
diving.
A bird goes by.
The depth is appalling. Appalling
that others like me
should be wind-milling, wheeling, spiralling, falling.
Are your eyes believing,
believing
that here in the gills
I am still breathing.
But tiring, tiring.
Sirens below are wailing, firing.
My arm is numb and my nerves are sagging.
Do you see me, my love. I am failing, flagging.
SIMON ARMITAGE
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